Chuck Kesey, Springfield Creamery co-founder, brother of author Ken Kesey, dies at 87
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Chuck Kesey, an Oregon pioneer in the field of probiotic yogurt and co-founder of Springfield Creamery, passed away Thursday at the age of 87. Kesey was instrumental in launching the natural foods movement more than six decades ago, having grown up in Springfield, where his father managed the...
Leaf pickup begins next week in Eugene; Springfield, county pickups coming soon
Leaf pickup started in the 1960s in Lane County as a flood control measure to prevent leaves from clogging storm drains. The program continues to this day to manage the area’s leaf debris, keep decaying leaves out of local waterways and prevent cyclists from slipping on slimy leaves in bike lanes.
Eugene 4J will start budget process early as it faces deficit, enrollment challenges
Eugene 4J School District will start its budget process significantly earlier than normal as it faces a projected $30 million shortfall. The District faced a $25 million deficit last year amidst declining enrollment. During Wednesday’s board meeting, Superintendent Miriam Mickelson said she wanted to give the...
Safety concerns rise in Eugene after frat party incidents
EUGENE, ORE. - Recent incidents at fraternity events and campus housing have raised concerns about student safety. These events, occurring as recently as Nov. 1, have prompted students to reinforce their safety practices during nights out. "We go with like a big group, and one of us is always pretty,...
With difficult budget cuts on the horizon, school districts will present plans early
Miriam Mickelson faced a small crowd at an informational budget meeting on Oct. 30 and spoke plainly. “I want to acknowledge the weight of this conversation,” the Eugene School District 4J superintendent said to about 10 parents, teachers and support staff gathered in the South Eugene High School library. “There’s a...
Springfield police address data security concerns with new cameras
Police met with city club members to talk about future use, and what they have done so far to safeguard data.
ICE agent waves and blows kiss at protestors while making arrest
EUGENE, Ore. - Neighbors, residents, immigration lawyers and advocates are reacting to the uptick in Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity on Wednesday across Lane County. According to Rob Fissete, an organizer with the Lane County Immigrant Defense Network, at least 9 ICE arrests occurred in Cottage Grove, 2...
Seven charged in burglary ring targeting Asian business owners in Oregon, Washington
EUGENE, Ore. — A Colombian national made his initial appearance Thursday after being arrested for his alleged role in a burglary ring that primarily targeted residents of Asian descent in Oregon and Washington, the U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Oregon reports. Derinson Martinez-Grandas, 34, is one of seven...
Euphoria Chocolate’s new owners get back to basics, but have big plans, too
The new owners of Euphoria Chocolate Company, which has sold artisanal truffles and confectionery in Eugene since 1980, hope to be the Willamette Valley’s next Willy Wonkas. In July, Shane and Casey Meisel bought the business from previous owners Van and Bonnie Glass, acquiring its recipes, equipment and inventory,...
Eugene woman sentenced for embezzling $560K from housing agency
EUGENE, Ore. - A Eugene woman has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for embezzling more than half a million dollars from a local housing agency, according to the Lane County District Attorney’s Office. According to Lane County District Attorney Christopher Parosa, Miranda Renee Wilcox has been...
